Sorry for the two-day delay, guys. I was pretty busy, and I was out of ideas until today. Writer's block is a common thing with me... -_-
Anyway, I hope you like this chapter and are enjoying your Advent season so far! :D

Bikini Fey stood by the window of the kitchen in the main building in Hazakura Temple , looking out upon her understudies as they trudged, towels wrapped firmly around them, back into another building which served as their dorms. Bikini spotted them shivering and their teeth chattering noisily; today had been a very big test- at least, for them- and their task was to last an hour under a waterfall in the freezing cold December weather. It was, in fact, supposed to last for three hours with two fifteen-minute breaks- but Bikini was a kind soul, and knew that the elders had placed the challenges up to such a level that was too harsh on her new students.

It was Christmas, anyhow, and she didn't want to put strain on them in the festive season.

Thinking of Christmas made her remember why she was in the kitchen, and she quickly checked the time on the wall clock, which proclaimed that it was ten past two in the evening. It should be ready by now, she thought, as she opened the oven door to a delicious smell of gingerbread. Pulling out the tray, clad in her apron and patterned oven gloves, Bikini ran her eyes over the circular biscuits, searching for any mistakes or faults in her baking. None were apparent, and so she put the kettle on to boil as she prepared some hot chocolate, humming Fairytale of New York to herself.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Iris Fey walked in with a small smile on her face and a happy demeanour.

"Sister Bikini, I just went to check on the girls," Iris began, her smile widening. "They're doing great, even after their first real test of inner strength- you're very lucky to have them, Sister, and they're very lucky to have you."

Bikini laughed loudly. "Ho ho ho! Am I really that good a teacher? Your skills are just as wonderful."

As the corners of Iris' mouth curled upward into a shy smile of appreciation, Bikini held out a circular-shaped treat towards Iris. "Biscuit? I made them in the hour my girls were training."

"That would be nice," Iris replied, taking the gingerbread and taking a small nibble. "Mmmmm. That is good."

"Isn't it? Gingerbread makes everything better, especially at Christmas time."

"It does. I'll help with the hot chocolate, if you would like- I'm guessing it's for your soaking wet pupils, right?"

Bikini laughed joyfully once more, answering Iris' question with a small nod. "Yes, yes, you're right. Much obliged for the help- but you're welcome to have a cup too, you know."

"Thanks!" Iris grinned, before turning to the counter and spooning dark brown powder from a glass jar into five separate mugs with painted names on them: in order, they read- from left to right- Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Rose and Opal. In the second mug, Iris made sure she did not add any milk, and then handed two of the mugs to Bikini to hold. Once everything was ready, biscuits plated and mugs filled, Iris and Bikini delivered the food and drink to the girls in the opposite building, receiving much thanks and compliment.

Iris looked towards Bikini and Bikini looked towards Iris, their eyes meeting. As they remembered their days as students here and in Kurain Village, they grinned happily and turned around to look back at the girls.

"They've still got a long way to go," Iris began, "but they're doing much better than I did when I was at that stage, let me tell you."

The duo burst into laughter as Bikini replied, "You hit the nail on the head there, Sister- right on the head."